Raby Castle, Darlington
County Durham in Historic Houses UK

This impressive and complete 14th-century fortress of the powerful Nevills, with nine towers set in 200 acres of landscaped deer park and picturesque walled garden, has been home to Lord & Lady Barnard’s family since 1626.

Victorian restoration by Burn includes the Octagon Drawing Room and extensions of the Barons’ Hall to 132-ft.

There are fine collections including paintings, furniture, Meissen porcelain and arms. The medieval Great Kitchen and Servants’ Hall survive. Highlights include the vast Barons Hall where it is reputed that 700 knights gathered to plot a rebellion against Elizabeth I, a splendid Victorian octagonal drawing room that has re-emerged as one of the most striking interiors from the 19th century and in contrast a mediaeval kitchen, used until 1954.

Raby’s treasures include an important collection of Meissen porcelain, fine furniture and artworks, including paintings by Munnings, De Hooch, Reynolds, Van Dyck and Teniers.